Variable Technologies held a product demonstration for its device "Node" at its new West Knoxville branch Wednesday afternoon.

The company makes handheld device sensors that work with iPhones and iPads. Those sensors can measure just about anything, from temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and ambient light.

"Forbes is calling this the Swiss Army Knife of sensors. That's the best way to describe the true power of this device. And we're beginning to see more applications on this come through the pipeline, which makes this a very exciting business to be in," says Alex Labidge.

The sensor costs around $150-dollars.

The company says it believes sensors will be as widespread as smart phones in the near future.

The company says it's looking into government contracts in the future and trying to expand its stores.